Description
A quick, one-pan keto-friendly dinner featuring seared chicken breasts in a creamy, cheesy bacon sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 600g total)
- 6–8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped (about 150g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry and pound them to 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy (3-4 minutes). Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the grease in the pan.
- Increase heat to medium-high. Sear chicken in the bacon grease for 4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream, scraping up browned bits.
- Stir in mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove pan from heat. Stir in grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Return chicken to the pan, spooning sauce over the top. Let sit for 1 minute to reheat. Top with crispy bacon bits and garnish with chives or parsley.
Notes
Pound chicken evenly for consistent cooking. Grate your own cheese to ensure smooth melting. Remove pan from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation. Do not freeze as the dairy sauce may separate upon thawing.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast wit
- Calories: 580
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 42
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 45
Keywords: keto, low carb, chicken recipe, bacon, cheesy, quick dinner, weeknight meal, one pan, gluten free